New Partnership with Formula Student
Atlassian Williams F1 Team and Komatsu have expanded their Engineering Academy through a collaboration with Formula Student, aiming to attract promising young engineers globally. This global programme will commence its third edition in 2026.
Recruiting top engineering talent is the main goal, utilising e-learning, facility visits, and mentorship from experts at both Komatsu and Williams. The academy seeks to accelerate career development in motorsport, industrial engineering, and machinery.
Starting in 2026, participants will be selected from finalists in the Formula Student competition at Silverstone, UK, and through global online assessments. This partnership also extends to Formula SAE, broadening its reach to international student competitors.
Ann Perrins, Chief People Officer at Atlassian Williams F1 Team, stated, "Here at Atlassian Williams F1 Team, we know that our success depends on the talent of the future. Programmes like the Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy give us a unique opportunity to identify talent and accelerate their rise whether that’s in motorsport, industrial engineering, or machinery."
Opportunities for Young Engineers
A key part of Williams' Early Careers strategy is the Komatsu Williams Engineering Academy, with 12 per cent of its workforce made up of young talent. Komatsu also supports global community programmes to train new generations of engineers.
Takuya Imayoshi, President and CEO of Komatsu, emphasised the importance of the partnership, saying, "Our partnership with Atlassian Williams F1 Team is designed to attract and develop the next generation of diverse technical talent as we continue growing and delivering innovative solutions for customers around the world."
UK finalists in Formula Student can begin applying to the academy from June 8th, with virtual applications opening later this year for other competitors.
Aligning with the competition’s goal of preparing young engineers for careers in the industry, Dan Jones, Chief Judge of IMechE Formula Student, remarked, "For many competitors, including myself, this has helped in achieving their dream of working in F1."
